More

Beyond healing

Might our brokenness transform us?

My dilemma was as a speck of dust compared to the mountains of pain in other people's lives after Sept. 11. And yet I felt utter anguish. A personal layer added to my grief for victims and families, concern for my nation and fears for the future. My father had recently died. And now, because of the airline situation, I had to cancel my family's plans to fly 2,500 miles to attend his memorial service.

My heart was broken open so wide it couldn't contain anything except grief. But the psalmist says, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Help came through a friend, who described a simple healing ceremony he'd conducted at home.